A Global Opportunity For Queensland’s Future Workforce
The QOF Scholarship Program assists Queensland apprentices, trainees and vocational education graduates to undertake overseas work and professional development experiences for up to two years.
Scholarships provide funding support for travel-related expenses and settling-in costs, helping recipients pursue career opportunities in leading international industries and workplaces.
Since 1976, more than 110 Queenslanders across industries including construction, hospitality, fashion, automotive, engineering and professional services have participated in the program.
Funding Support
Up to $10,000 toward travel and initial overseas expenses.
Overseas Experience
Work, learn and gain industry experience internationally for up
to two years.
Industry Pathways
Open to a broad range of trades, vocational and professional industries.
Career Growth
Develop technical skills, global perspectives and professional networks.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
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Be aged between 18–30 years
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Hold a Certificate III qualification or above
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Have at least 2 years industry experience
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Be a Queensland resident and Australian citizen
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Be eligible for a work visa
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Intend to return to Queensland after the placement
How The Application Process Works
Prepare Your Application
Gather qualifications, references and supporting documents.
Submit Online
Complete the scholarship application form before closing date.
Shortlisting & Interviews
Selected applicants may be invited to participate in interviews.
Begin Your Journey
Successful recipients prepare for their overseas placement experience.
Scholarship Key Dates
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Applications Open — Mid 2026
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Applications Close — 27 September 2026
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Interviews Conducted — Early 2027
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Award Ceremony — March 2027
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Overseas Placements Begin — 2027
Opportunities Across Industries
QOF scholarships support a wide range of vocational, trade and professional pathways, giving Queenslanders the opportunity to gain international industry experience, develop specialised skills and explore global best practice across their chosen field.
Construction
Gain exposure to large-scale international construction projects, modern building techniques and emerging technologies shaping the future of infrastructure and urban development.
Scholarship pathways may include:
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Apprentices and tradespeople
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Vocational educators
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Industry professionals
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Employers and mentors
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Partners and supporters
Automotive
Develop advanced technical knowledge and industry experience within the evolving global automotive sector, including emerging vehicle technologies, diagnostics and specialist workshop practices.
Scholarship opportunities may involve:
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Automotive Servicing
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Heavy Vehicle Industries
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EV And Hybrid Technologies
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Performance And Specialist Vehicles
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International Manufacturing Environments
Commercial Cooking | Hospitality
Experience world-leading hospitality environments while building practical skills, cultural awareness and international industry knowledge across food, beverage and tourism sectors.
Scholarship experiences may include:
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Commercial Kitchens
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Hotels And Resorts
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Tourism Operations
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Fine Dining Environments
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International Customer Service Practices
Fashion
Explore global fashion industries, creative design environments and emerging international trends while developing technical and creative skills within the fashion and textiles sector.
Potential pathways may include:
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Garment Production
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Design Studios
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Fashion Merchandising
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Textile Innovation
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International Retail Environments
Queensland Automotive Trade Scholarships
Supporting Queensland's future automotive professionals with international
career opportunities.
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Up to $10,000 Funding
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Overseas Industry Experience
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Supported by Industry Leaders
Real Outcomes, Real Careers
See how QOF programs translate into real-world impact across Queensland
Caitlin Baxter.
2025 Scholarship Awardee
“Embrace the experience, leaving your family and friends behind can be very daunting but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should fully immerse yourself into it.”
2025 QOF Awardee Caitlin Baxter undertook her scholarship in the United Kingdom, working as a Pastry Chef and Demi Chef de Partie at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, within the Vellore Restaurant.
Wayne Costain.
2024 Bursary Winner
“Thank you for this incredible opportunity. Your generous contribution has enabled me to expand my skills and knowledge, immerse myself in global trends, and build valuable connections with industry leaders from around the world.”
Wayne attended an intensive training camp on mastering water-based ink techniques, significantly enhancing his screen printing skills while advancing sustainable practices.
Beh Wattenberg.
2020 Bursary Winner Teacher
“The experience was so great, I learnt a lot and have been sharing the knowledge in all my places of work”
As part of the Queensland Overseas Foundation Scholarship, Beh toured Signify in Germany, gaining firsthand insight into cutting-edge lighting technologies. Highlights included Nature Connect, a Digital Skylight system designed for wellbeing in work and care environments, and INTERACT, an advanced, cloud-connected lighting control system.